Alert 5

Aviation News

Author: alert5

HMS Prince of Wales and 809 NAS unite for Exercise Strike Warrior

Posted on by alert5

The Royal Navy is once again operating fast jets from a British aircraft carrier after a 15-year hiatus. The UK Carrier Strike Group, led by HMS Prince of Wales, has assembled in the North Sea for Exercise Strike Warrior. This exercise marks the integration of 809 Naval Air Squadron (NAS) and its F-35B Lightning stealth fighters and is a crucial step in restoring the Royal Navy’s carrier strike capability. This signifies Britain’s commitment to global power projection.


Photo: Royal Navy

Continue reading “HMS Prince of Wales and 809 NAS unite for Exercise Strike Warrior”

Boeing’s Compact Laser Weapon System downs larger drones for the first time

Posted on by alert5

Boeing’s Compact Laser Weapon System (CLWS) has engaged and neutralized Group 3 Uncrewed Aerial Systems (UASs) for the first time. This is a significant development in counter-drone technology as Group 3 UASs, which can weigh up to 1,320 pounds, present a greater threat due to their capacity to carry heavier and more sophisticated payloads. The successful demonstration took place at the Red Sands Integrated Experimentation Center in Saudi Arabia, where the CLWS, equipped with a 5-kilowatt laser, effectively neutralized the Group 3 drones.


Continue reading “Boeing’s Compact Laser Weapon System downs larger drones for the first time”

AAIB report on Spitfire IXT, G-LFIX forced landing

Posted on by alert5

A Spitfire IXT (G-LFIX) experienced engine failure on May 6, leading to a forced landing at Pitsford Airfield near Sywell, Northants. Britain’s Air Accidents Investigation Branch (AAIB) published an incident report on Oct. 10 detailing the event. The aircraft carried one pilot and one passenger. Damage was sustained to the propeller and left wing, but both occupants were unharmed.

Supermarine Spitfire T9 ‘ML407 - OU-V’ (G-LFIX) (19730596616)
Alan Wilson from Stilton, Peterborough, Cambs, UK, CC BY-SA 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Continue reading “AAIB report on Spitfire IXT, G-LFIX forced landing”

VMFA-533 receives F-35B Block 4 aircraft

Posted on by alert5

Marine Fighter Attack Squadron (VMFA) 533, based at Marine Corps Air Station (MCAS) Beaufort, has received its first F-35B Lightning II jet. This event marks a significant milestone as the squadron transitions from the F/A-18 Hornet to the F-35B, becoming the second operational F-35 squadron on the East Coast and the first at MCAS Beaufort.

U.S. Marine Corps Lt. Col. Zachary Hartnett, from Illinois and the commanding officer of Marine Fighter Attack Squadron (VMFA) 533, taxis an F-35B Lightning II jet at Marine Corps Air Station Beaufort, South Carolina, Oct. 11, 2024. VMFA-533 received their first F-35B Lightning II jet, marking their transition from the F/A-18 Hornet to the F-35B. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Bryan Giraldo)

Continue reading “VMFA-533 receives F-35B Block 4 aircraft”